I have been to at least 10-15 different French restaurants in the area, and this still ranks the best in my book. The food is amazing, the service is wonderful, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is formal, yet cozy.
Although everything I have had on their menu is wonderful, where they really shine is with anything seafood. Some favorites to try are the lobster with Champaign sauce (when in season), trout (any of the ways the prepare it), or the Maryland crab cakes. For appetizers, the mussels are delightful to share, the sea scallops are wonderful (but only enough for one person) and the escargot (ok, not seafood) is also tasty to share. The soups will vary from week to week, but are always fantastic. I once had a pea soup that was so amazing it may have permanently changed my opinion of this least-favorite vegetable. And although seafood dominates their best dishes, their veal is also prepared well with a great sauce.
Their desserts are good, but not their specialty. Their top two are their profiteroles which have a wonderfully rich chocolate sauce, and the tiramisu which has an unusual and yet very moist and sweet flavor. But the REAL dessert is the Café Renaissance coffee. This is Irish coffee prepared right in front of you, where the brandy and Kailua are ignited and the sugar is caramelized on the glass. This dessert drink can be found at other French restaurants in the area (La Bergerie comes to mind) but the staff at Café Renaissance has perfected the performance art element of the dessert. And for those who prefer their after dinner cocktails unadorned, they also have a nice selection of port wine.
Despite the unassuming exterior appearance, this place has a delightful atmosphere inside. Like most French restaurants, the linens are crisp white, the waiters wear black suits, and the servers are endlessly attentive. All tables are candlelit and have a bouquet of fresh flowers. It is what you expect out of a formal French restaurant. However, unlike some of the other more formal restaurants in the area, the staff is friendly and relaxed, and you can feel quite comfortable leaning across the table with your elbows up to have a more cozy tête-à-tête with your date. They do not serve the full seven-course meal (who really misses the Consommé and the sherbet?) and the waiters will not mind if you use the wrong fork. The one downside to the atmosphere is that the restaurant is only two rooms, so the day of the week and the crowd affects the noise and atmosphere. Go on a Saturday, and you can expect a louder buzz (still at conversation level). On a Tuesday night you may be one of only three or four patrons, and it may be a little too quiet. If you plan on a quiet night out on one of the weekend nights, it might be worth asking for a corner table when you call for reservations.
Overall Café Renaissance is wonderful hidden treasure, great for special occasions and delighting out of town guests. [28 Apr 2003 10:44:28]
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Overall: Recommended Dishes: Mussels, Crab Cakes, Veal, lobster w/ Champaign sauce
Paula